Daily Scripture

Scripture:

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

Reflection:

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." (Psalm 23:1)

Today’s Scripture readings reveal a God who cares deeply about us, about how we are being taken care of and about the kind of life that we are living.

Many of us want a God of quick fixes, a God who addresses my needs, my hurts, my sufferings. We want a God who intervenes in our life directly and promptly. We want a God who should spare us of difficulties, of painful experiences, of terrible human happenings that bring us pain and sorrow.

Instead, God calls people to shepherd us throughout our lives, people who will announce the Good News of God’s Love, people who will bring healing and salvation to our souls and spirits, people who will challenge us to change the way we live so that we can all be God’s children and we can all share in God’s blessings.

God cares deeply for all people and not just individual persons. God is vitally concern about our quality of life and invites us to become God’s people, a community of peace and justice for all, a community that Jesus describes as "the Reign of God."

God knows that people are the most vulnerable when they are hurting, when they are violated, when they are suffering deep personal pain. That is why, in today’s readings, God wants us to have the best "shepherds" to care for us when we are in these terrible situations, the best ministers who can bring about healing and reconciliation, peace and justice, indeed, salvation and redemption for all. That is why God has sent us Jesus, God’s Only Son, to bring us the fullness of redemption by an unconditional act of love. And that is why Jesus chose to die on the Cross. That is why we hold Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Son of God and the Son of Mary, Jesus our Lord and Redeemer, as the incomparable model of the Good Shepherd. This is why Jesus’ heart was moved with pity when He saw the crowd coming to him and why He was willing to die on the Cross for our salvation and redemption.

God warns us of those "shepherds" who take advantage of our vulnerability to mislead and to mistreat the people of God. We know that these false shepherds are out there. Sometimes they mask themselves as leaders of countries and nations, or as powerful and wealthy people who defraud and accumulate riches by lies and deception. Sometimes they take the form of entertainers and popular personalities whom people admire for their God given talent. Most often, though, they are people like us, who preach the path of least resistance, the easy way out, the gospel of convenience and quick fixes.

When Jesus sent out the apostles to teach and preach and to heal and save, he was aware that there were scribes and Pharisees teaching and preaching and that there were priests and religious leaders who were offering sacrifices and prayers. But Jesus required a different kind of teacher, a different kind of preacher, a different kind of priest. He wanted apostles whose hearts could be moved with pity when they saw people suffering, who could bring words of reconciliation and peace where there was violence, shepherds who could bring everlasting life where there was death. He wanted us, his ordinary followers, to be his apostles, disciples, priests and prophets. Thus, we all are called to be Good Shepherds!

 

Fr. Clemente Barron, C.P. is a member of the General Council of the Passionist Congregation and is stationed in Rome. 

Scripture:

Exodus 12:37-42
Matthew 12:14-21

Reflection:

So often I, myself, and others have reflected, "Oh, I really missed understanding that person.   I was only looking at the outside.   Little did I know what was going on inside."   I had a gentleman share something that amazed me.   He said that he would automatically avoid any requests that his wife made of him.  These were not gigantic tasks: mow the lawn, paint the kitchen, etc., etc.  When asked why he excused himself, he did not have a really good reason except that "let’s get someone else…a kid in the neighborhood, or a professional painter.   Definitely someone else!"   This has gone on for years.  As he sat talking with me his face brightened as he said, "I finally realized that something that happened a long time ago was blocking my willingness to do something for my wife whom I love dearly."    He went on to relate that as a youngster his father repeatedly criticized him for anything he did.  Nothing was good enough in the eyes of his dad.  No matter what the young son did escaped this negative attitude.   It went on for years.     "Would you believe, Father that I realized this only two weeks ago?   I am 62 years old!  For years I have carried a fear that criticism was going to be leveled at me again."

Jesus, in the gospel today I see the Pharisees on the prowl to put you to death.   Yet you kept on with your mission of healing.   Oh, you told the people not to let the Pharisees know where you were.   Your time had not yet come.   The quote from the prophet Isaiah gives an insightful picture of who the "messiah" was to be.   You certainly fulfilled that description.   You grew into it -a month, a year at a time.   Nothing automatic about it.

Jesus, I pray for each and all of us who refuse to acknowledge our total selves at any given time.  Stuff gets pushed behind us.    Stuff from the past gets denied.   Stuff is avoided with emphasis put on the gaudy, the flamboyant.   The true self is divided and causes us to limp.  The awesome truth that you love us as a person gets overlooked.   Perfection is our desire.    Some things do turn out well but we are constantly "on the grow."  Some things take a while to hone.   Other things just simply show us that we do have some limitations!   That isn’t really a surprise.  But what a difference in the midst of it all to know that You love us as the person we are. 

 

Fr. Peter Berendt, C.P. is on the staff of Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, Houston, Texas.

Scripture:

Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Matthew 10:34-11:1

Reflection:

Friends of mine recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Lake Tahoe.  The cool blue and aquamarine waters, reflecting the Sierras, were so peaceful.  As I walked along the lakeshore, someone said to me: "It doesn’t get better than this!"  I had said the same thing earlier to another person.  When we are in peaceful situations, it’s easy to feel, to sense, to exude peace.  Jesus says to us: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.  I have come to bring not peace but the sword."  I might be irreverent then, and respond: "Lord, give me a break!  I thought you always give peace."  Of course, Jesus does, in his own way, which so often surprises and baffles us.  He gives us peace, when, after reflecting on a family or community disagreement, we have the courage to ask for forgiveness.  God gives us peace when we reflect upon the lives of the prophets and how they persevered in getting God’s word across to the people (see Jeremiah 6:14: "Peace, peace, they say, though there is no peace").

Jesus’ peace is many faceted, giving us consolation in the midst of mourning, challenging us to confront injustice.  It is the peace we long for, not only for ourselves and for our own, but for whole nations, especially Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan.  It is the peace that the Hebrew people, experiencing their cruel slavery in Egypt in our first reading longed for.

May the peace of Christ, la paz del Senor, fill our being.  May we be channels of peace to others.

PEACE.  It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (anonymous)

 

Fr. Bob Bovenzi, C.P. is a member of the Passionist community stationed in Chicago, Illinois. 

Scripture:

Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a
Matthew 10:24-33

Reflection:

The other morning, a smiling young lady carrying a clipboard, knocked at my door.  She was collecting signatures for a petition to overturn Prop. 8.  This is the controversial California proposition that passed in November 2008, changing the state constitution to recognize only marriage between a man and a woman as valid.  It also eliminated same sex couples’ right to marry.

Before the young lady could continue, I stopped her politely to say we are a Catholic household and our view on marriage between a man and a woman is firm and non-negotiable.   The young lady appeared visibly surprised.  She walked away, wishing me a good day.

Most of my business and political colleagues oppose Prop. 8.  Like the young lady, they too are surprised at my position.  I can see it in their faces:  they think me intolerant and bigoted.

It isn’t easy being Catholic these days; certainly not when it pertains to an issue as volatile as same-sex marriage.  Indeed, there has been pressure to silence supporters of "traditional marriage" by exacting a price for their vocal stand:  loss of job, boycotting of businesses, vandalism to homes.  Consequently, many choose to remain silent.  I hoisted my colors before that young lady.  Knowing how precincts and politics work, I believe our home address has been marked in bright red.

Jesus said to his Apostles:
"No disciple is above his teacher,
no slave above his master.
It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,
for the slave that he become like his master.
If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,
how much more those of his household!"

Those words of Jesus hit home with stunning reality.  If he was ridiculed for his teaching, why should I, lowly disciple, think that I will be spared?  If the master of the house was called "Beelzbul," how much more those of his household?

I’m not sure I’ll proclaim my views from the housetop anytime soon.  But neither will I deny them when asked what we Catholics are called to believe.

 

Deacon Manuel Valencia ([email protected]) is on the staff at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, Sierra Madre, California.

 

Scripture:

Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a
Matthew 10:1-7

 

 

 

Reflection:

A common thread running through today’s readings is that of betrayal. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers who sold him into slavery. Though harshness is highlighted today, forgiveness and mercy will eventually prevail. In the Gospel, we are given a list of the twelve chosen. We ominously hear that Judas "betrayed" Jesus.

Recently Bernard Madoff received his sentence for betraying many people out of millions of dollars. South Carolina governor Mark Sanford betrayed his wife with his affair. I frequently receive emails from people whose marriages are rocked with infidelity, from people who are hurt by others, and from those who have been abused in various ways. These people are bewildered and wonder what to do. As we live and relate with others, we will inevitably be betrayed, abused, and rejected by someone. It is especially hard when the rejection or hurt comes from those who are serving the church. When I was a seminarian, I was rejected by a number of students and it almost broke my heart.

One of the books I read on my retreat in June was the bestseller The Shack by William Paul Young. Without giving away the storyline, one of the powerful truths this book presents is the healing forgiveness brings. Jesus tells the apostles to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." There is strength in God that empowers us to forgive. The kingdom of heaven is present when, no matter the pain or injustice, a person chooses to forgive. In addition, God’s kingdom is operative and shown by what happens to the person who forgives. Rather than becoming obsessed and bitter, they gradually let go and move forward. In Joseph’s case he became governor of Egypt and was vindicated in the presence of his family. I have experienced God’s promotion in my own life as I try to take the high road. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. I pray you will know its healing and vindication in your life.  

 

Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P. is a missionary preacher, author of 12 books and creator of the TV program Live with Passion! airing in many cities. You can learn more about his ministry at: http://www.frcedric.org/

 

Scripture:

Genesis 46: 1-7, 28-30
Matthew 10:16-23

 

 

 

Reflection:

Jesus sent us as sheep into the midst of wolves, but he didn’t specify that sometimes those wolves are not predators outside our borders.  Sometimes they are in our very midst – people we trust, people with whom we live or work, or members of our own faith community.  

A friend of mine became disillusioned working in a parish.  He contends that in the business world, everyone acknowledges ulterior motives like status, money, and self-promotion beneath most interactions.  In a parish, everyone claims selfless service of God.  Yet he witnessed backstabbing and power grabs that were far more vicious and damaging than those you find in a corporate office.  As he told his story to others, he found that his parish was not unusual.

Perhaps we should expect as much, based on the story of Joseph’s brothers, and knowing that Jesus himself was betrayed by one of his closest associates.  Unfortunately, we are a very human church, filled with the same dysfunctions, self-righteousness, and weaknesses as the world in which we live.  Yet it always comes as a shock.  We expect more of our church, our parishes, and ourselves.  We know we are called to something better, to greater integrity, more tolerance, increased patience, and transparent justice. 

So how good a model am I?  When I disagree with the pastor, do I have the courage to speak with him face-to-face rather than write anonymous letters or talk behind his back?  How often do I hold grudges against members of my family or my faith community rather than engage in the difficult process of forgiveness?  By what means do I justify saying negative things about another that I would not repeat to that person’s face?  When have I tried to "cover" for myself, telling white lies, deflecting criticism, or engaging in small acts of deception in order to appear blameless despite my complicity?  When have I harshly judged another without taking time to understand their position and find common ground?   In what ways have I convinced myself that I am surely a sheep, despite the wolfish fangs that sometimes show?

It is sometimes discouraging to read the news about our church.  I also sometimes get discouraged by my own behavior and all the ways I do not yet reflect the face of Christ to the world.  My prayer is that all of us may continue forward on the path of discipleship, knowing we will encounter wolves from within and without, including deep in our own hearts, yet trusting that the Spirit of the living God is with us and will ultimately have the final word.

 

Amy Florian is a teacher and consultant working in Chicago.  For many years she has partnered with the Passionists.  Visit Amy’s  website at http://www.amyflorian.com/.

 

Scripture:

Genesis 32:23-33
Matthew 9:32-38

Reflection:

Apostles Then and Now

The reading from Matthew’s Gospel passes from the initial teaching and merciful miracles of Jesus, the Anointed One, to his instructions to his 12 closest collaborators, the Apostles.  Jesus shares his deep feelings: "His heart was moved with pity, the crowds were lying prostrate from exhaustion… he said to his disciples, ‘the harvest is good but the laborers are scarce.  Beg the harvest master to send laborers to gather his harvest.’"

Jesus senses that the coming of God’s Kingdom demands many collaborators.  He turns to the 12, the "apostles", his personal ambassadors.  He will send them to heal and to announce

"The Kingdom of God is here." In Luke’s account we can read of Jesus exulting in the Spirit and over their success–Satan falling from heaven."

In a wonderful way the Bishops at the Vatican II Council instructed us that the Lord Jesus is doing the same thing in this, our 21st century!  "Lay peoples’ right and duty to be apostles derives from their union with Christ, they are assigned by Christ himself to the apostolate and given  special gifts"   The abilities and powers given at Corinth and Ephesus are seen once more at Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.  "The Hand of God is not shortened."

The fruitfulness of every apostolate, whether of the Pope or a lay person depends on a living union with Christ.  This is cultivated by reverent use of the Sacraments, but also by their doing their ordinary work as parents and citizens trying to improve the political and social conditions of modern life.  As circumstances permit, direct sharing of the faith becomes possible.  In accord with their ability and training, lay people can and should fulfill his ministry.  The shortage of priests across the world is surely cause for the continued concern of Jesus today!  Beg the harvest master to send laborers to gather his harvest."

The Council reflected that in the course of history the use of temporal things has been tarnished by serious defects.  Lay people ought themselves to take on as their distinctive task in this renewal of the temporal order.

With the passage of time world culture has expanded, the laity are in the forefront of the work of bringing all things under the Headship of Christ.  More Christians are called in more ways to be the laborers in today’s harvest.

 

Fr. Fred Sucher, C.P. is retired and lives in the Passionist community in Chicago.  For many years he taught philosophy to Passionist seminarians.  

Scripture:

Ezekiel 2:2-5
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6a

Reflection:

I remember as a little boy being fascinated with magicians.  There was always something about a great magic show which left me feeling mystified.    It was a feeling of amazement and wonder, mixed with confusion and incompleteness.  For I saw with my own eyes as the woman was cut in pieces and then reassembled.  How could this be?  And my eyes couldn’t deceive me could they?   Years later, after the television serial told us all the secrets behind each of the tricks, the simple trickery robbed me of my amazement and wonder.  Did I become more cynical?

This is the letdown which occurs in the gospel today.  For if we know all the secrets then how can we embrace the mystery?  If we know Jesus as a little boy then how could we ever accept him as a prophet?  What would happen if your child or grandchild, or even a niece or nephew started acting like a prophet or prophetess?  It is likely you would find them an embarrassment to your family.  Isn’t it likely that it would diminish their message?  "Where did he get all this"?  They asked.  Why is it so frequently the more we know about Jesus the more we rationalize our faith and suddenly we lose out on the mystery and the ability of our faith to stir us into a mighty flame?

Ezekiel and Paul in the first and second readings write about finding themselves empowered to be sent out, to bear witness, and to proclaim. Their flames have been stirred up and they are alive and on fire.   This prophetic task is something which is within them that is fueled by their experience and justified by the paradoxical power of Christ.  This is why Paul boasts.  For the both of them it is not a mystery to be explained but a mystery which is to be lived and shared.  And somehow in the sharing of this mystery the spirit of Christ is even more powerful and more prominent.  Then the ultimate paradox becomes truth:  I receive only because of my ability to give.  I can forgive because I’ve been forgiven.  And I am alive because of the deaths from which I have been resurrected.

Where do you find yourself minimizing the mystery of Christ?  Are your own fears smothering the flames of Christ’s love?

 

Fr. David Colhour, C.P. is on the staff at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center, Citrus Heights, California.